As podcasts have gained momentum far and wide, the Michigan Health and Health Lab blogs decided to introduce The Michigan Medicine News Break flash briefings, a series which consists of short podcasts – 5 minutes or less - based on articles written on each blog's sites.

The mini podcast series delivers cutting-edge research news, practical health information, inspiring stories of survival and people overcoming incredible odds with help from the "Leaders & Best" at the institution through an easy to download audio file.

Launched in 2018, the Michigan Medicine News Break has recorded over 190 sessions, ranging from topics like children's health and major disease outbreaks, to marijuana research and health management tips.

Below, listen to the top five most played briefings of 2019, and subscribe to the Michigan Medicine News Break in Alexa Flash Briefings, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. For more details on the episodes below, click the link to their articles in the description.

5. Melatonin Supplements

A Michigan Medicine expert explains what we know and don't know about the hormone supplement that's growing in popularity.

4. High Blood Pressure and Cold Meds

Decongestants can pose a dangerous risk to people with hypertension. Try these other steps to safely treat a cold or allergies.

3. Opioid Related Suicides and Overdoses

Turning the tide on opioid related suicides and overdoses demands improvements to pain care, mental health care and medication-assisted opioid addiction care, U-M researchers say in this report.

2. Measles

A disease the federal government declared "eliminated" nearly two decades ago is surfacing again. Here's why — and what to do.

1. School Night Bedtime Tips

What every parent should know about helping their kids to bed before the back-to-school season begins.